ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit says Alabama coach Nick Saban is "ahead of the curve" when it comes to heading off complacency. (Associated Press)

Alabama could face several challenges between now and Nov. 3 -- another highly anticipated matchup with LSU that may have lost some of its luster with the Tigers' loss last week to Florida. But ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit said Tuesday he believes the Crimson Tide's biggest challenge is in their own heads.

"I think
the biggest challenge for Alabama is going to be the culture that's been
created with success," Herbstreit said during an ESPN teleconference on Tuesday. "Nick Saban is ahead of the curve on trying
to combat that. ... What I see with Alabama this year is there was so much excitement
for the Michigan game and they blew their doors off. From that point on, you wouldn't
even know Alabama's playing this year -- call me when we get to Baton Rouge.

"That's a
dangerous place to be."

Saban, whose Crimson Tide faces road games at Missouri and Tennessee and a home game against Mississippi State before tangling with LSU, routinely preaches to players and fans alike about the need to maintain focus on each particular game and on the "process" as opposed to the results. So far, Herbstreit said it's evident his players have been paying attention.

"They've
been machine-like in the way they've gone about their business," Herbstreit
said. "The players have got to continue to listen to their coach and continue to go out and practice against perfection. The challenging game for Alabama is in the mirror. I'm anxious to see if they can
continue to go about their business. They're on autopilot right now. Can they
continue it?"